Lighthouse to have a blast in musical project

FOGHORN REQUIEM ... Souter Lighthouse will sound off as part of the Festival of the North East. Artists Joshua Portway, left, and Lise Autogena with composer Orlando Gough.

Published:12:13Tuesday 23 April 2013

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ARTISTS gathered to sound off about their world-first project which will star a South Tyneside landmark.

Souter Lighthouse in Whitburn will be part of a Foghorn Requiem on June 22.

The event will see the beacon, along with three brass bands and an armada of vessels positioned offshore, take part in a piece of music by using their horns.

Yesterday, the Coast Road lighthouse gave composer Orlando Gough plus artists Lise Autogena and Joshua Portway, the chance to hear its foghorn in all of its glory.

Coun Alan Kerr, deputy leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “This is a wonderful and unique project which is going to bring attention to the area not just locally and nationally but internationally.

“There’s a huge effort being made by everyone involved and this event will be something that everyone will remember, not just for days and months but for years to come.

“This will turn the spotlight on South Tyneside and showcase just what an amazing place it is and just what we have to offer.” Vessels of all shapes and sizes from across the UK are expected in the North Sea, off the coast at South Shields, for the event.

It will be the highlight of a month-long Festival of the North East initiated by Northumberland musician Kathryn Tickell to celebrate and raise awareness of the social and cultural heritage of the region.

The Foghorn Requiem has been commissioned by South Tyneside Council and the National Trust, which took over the running of Souter after its decommissioning in 1988.